It was an up-and-down weekend for the Pakenham Pumas with the top-three grades tasting defeat while some strong performances were put forward by the lower grades, women’s teams and juniors.
Here’s how a wild-old weekend played out!
B2
Pakenham Pumas defeated Mornington Pirates 12-6.
Mornington got on the board in the first inning scoring one run. Pakenham then took over the lead in the bottom of the first inning on a Mornington error; Andrew Mayberry was struck by a pitch, James singled to the left side of the infield, and Brad Jones was struck by a pitch, each scoring one run. Mornington tied the game in the top of the second thanks to a walk, a hit by a pitch, and another walk. However, a fielder’s choice by Andrew Mayberry gave Pakenham the lead again, 5-4, in the bottom of the second. Pakenham extended the lead by seven when Brad Jones singled, scoring one run, Travis Hough doubled, scoring three runs, Tanya Porter drew a walk, scoring one run, and a steal of home scored another run. Mornington then scored another two runs toward the end of the game. Scott Dale started on the mound for Pakenham and gave up three hits and four runs (two earned) over one and one-third innings, striking out two and walking one. Wayne Porter pitched three and two-thirds innings; he allowed three hits and two runs while striking out five and walking five. Greg McCormick, Brock, and James each collected two hits for Pakenham. Wayne Porter collected three walks, whilst the team in total collected eight walks for the game. Andrew Mayberry and Greg McCormick each stole multiple bases for Pakenham, whilst the team stole seven bases in total. Pakenham turned one double play in the game.
C2
Pakenham C2 hosted fifth place Dingley this week in a bid to lock up a top-four spot. James Kinsella started on the mound for the home team and made short work of Dingley in the first, allowing just the one base-runner and keeping the opposition scoreless. In response the home team took a two-run lead with Andrew Moran, Gregg Clutterbuck and Andrew Hemmes picking up hits. Neither team was able to score in the second but with Dingley going three-up three-down in the third Pakenham put their stamp on the game with eight hits to score the maximum seven runs and extend their lead to nine. With the Pumas being solid in the field making no errors Dingley was unable to get going and never troubled the scoreboard. Pakenham on the other hand scored in each of the last three innings to finish 16-0 winners.
Hits: 4 Gregg Clutterbuck, 3 Brad Bugeja (2 Doubles, Single), 3 Andrew Moran (Double, 2 Singles), 3 Andrew Hemmes (Double, 2 Singles), 3 Angus, 2 Duncan, 1 James Kinsella, 1 Ethan Taig-Roberts
WOMEN’S WHITE
The Pakenham Pumas Women’s White side delivered a spirited performance on Sunday but narrowly fell 10-9 to Dingley Women’s after a walk-off hit decided the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. With the game tied at nine, it was a single from Taryn Richardson that brought the winning run home for Dingley. Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Pumas showcased their resilience and aggressive play, collecting three hits, forcing 10 walks, and racking up an impressive 20 stolen bases to stay in the fight until the very end. The Pumas wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Emily Williams grounded out to bring home a run, followed by Karlee Brady working a walk that scored another, giving Pakenham an early edge. In the second inning, the Pumas capitalized on Dingley’s errors, with Emily Williams driving in another run to help extend their lead to 4-2. Dingley mounted a big response in the bottom of the second, putting up seven runs on five hits to surge ahead 9-4. But the Pumas weren’t done yet. Digging deep, they clawed their way back in the fourth inning, taking advantage of disciplined at-bats and Dingley’s defensive lapses to tie the game at nine. Emily Williams put in a gutsy effort on the mound, striking out seven batters over two and a third innings. The Pumas’ lineup showed incredible patience and hustle, with Emily Devine leading the charge, going two-for-two at the plate. Karlee Brady and Emily Williams each drove in runs, while Van Weeghel, Brady, Devine, Williams, and Blackler combined for multiple stolen bases to keep the pressure on Dingley’s defence. Dingley’s offense was led by Taryn Richardson, who went two-for-two with three RBIs, but it was the Pumas’ relentless fight that stood out. Next up, the Pakenham Pumas Women’s White will look to carry this momentum and their fighting spirit into this Sunday’s clash against Berwick Women’s.
WOMEN’S BLACK
Pakenham Blacks started off the game strong with the bat, scoring five runs, with two of those runs scored off a double hit from Carni Dowsett to centre field. Jessica Moulding started off on the mound with Kaylee behind the dish; with only two runs scored in the first inning. In the second inning, the Blacks continued with their good batting performance, scoring another five runs; with both Codie Sell and Elizabeth Talauega hitting a single and scoring one run each. Jess continued up on the mound, with only another two runs scored from Berwick. Heading into the third inning, the Blacks were unable to score any runs, as Berwick was able to keep them at bay. Jess continued on the mound at the bottom of the third inning, with Olivia Garcia taking over shortly after. Within that final inning, Berwick was able to fight back and score six runs, ending the game in a tie.
UNDER 15
It was a hard game this week for the Pumas, with a few players away at SWC, school camp and illness. The Pumas trailed by as many as five, but came back to defeat Frankston White on Saturday, 10-7. Pumas tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a walk by Brock and two wild pitches. Pumas flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs on one hit to take the lead! The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Brock that drove in two. Ollie earned the win for Pumas. The reliever gave up zero hits and two runs (one earned) over two innings, striking out six and walking two. Angus stepped on the hill first for Pumas. The pitcher allowed zero hits and five runs over one innings, striking out two. Brock, Ollie and Noah each collected one hit for Pumas. Brock went one-for-one at the plate and led the team with one run batted in. Angus, Ollie, Dane and Noah each stole multiple bases for Pumas. Pumas had patience at the plate, collecting seven walks and 11 stolen bases in the game. Thanks to Noah for filling in for the team, hope he had fun!!
That was the last home game for the regular season and next week hopefully brings a full strength team to an important game against Cheltenham Blue who defeated us in the first game of the year.
OTHER GRADES
Pakenham A1 went down 8-6 to Dingley, with the Pumas now sitting in fifth place on the ladder.
Dingley also had the better of the Pumas in A2, winning 15-0 to cement second place on the table. The Pumas currently sit at the bottom of the six-team competition with a 2-9 record.
And Pakenham B1 put up a strong fight against Mornington, going down 13-6 at Toomuc Reserve.
-James Kinsella and Jessica Moulding-
